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"Cristiano Ronaldo! Hey! Ronaldo! Are you looking for revenge against Bayer Leverkusen this time?"
"After being defeated by Belgium in the World Cup, what are your thoughts on facing Lance and De Bruyne this time?"
"What is your goal for the Champions League this season?"
"Can you answer some questions?"
On the second matchday of the Champions League group stage, Bayer Leverkusen hosted Real Madrid at home.
Before departing the hotel for the BayArena, a swarm of reporters had already surrounded the Real Madrid players at the entrance. Especially Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the world's most famous football stars; he had the most people around him.
Theoretically, the hotel security should have cleared the area and separated the reporters from the players. For some reason, the security guards stood with their arms crossed, smiling as Cristiano Ronaldo was mobbed by reporters, clearly enjoying his misfortune.
Cristiano Ronaldo, wearing headphones and a dark expression, initially wanted to ignore this group of German reporters, which also included some English and Spanish journalists. Seeing his arrogant demeanour, one German reporter complained to his companion.
"What's there to be so proud of? He's still Lance's defeated opponent."
As Cristiano Ronaldo's right foot had just stepped onto the entrance pedal of the team bus, he stopped dead in his tracks, furiously took off his headphones, and returned to stand in front of the reporters.
The German reporter was stunned and instinctively held up his microphone.
Cristiano Ronaldo, without ceremony, glared fiercely into the microphone at the reporter, as if wanting to issue a challenge to someone through the reporter.
"Remember! In last season's Champions League semi-finals, I was the winner! This time, we will make Bayer Leverkusen taste defeat again!"
After dropping a declaration full of gunpowder, Cristiano Ronaldo stomped back into the team bus in a huff. The reporters were not offended at all; instead, they were very happy, having finally secured some news material.
He even raised his camera and continuously pressed the shutter, capturing many photos of Cristiano Ronaldo losing his cool.
On the bus, Marcelo, sitting next to Cristiano Ronaldo, gave a wry smile.
"Mate, calm down, whoa, whoa, whoa, there's no need to get angry over these unscrupulous reporters."
"I'm not angry!"
Cristiano Ronaldo crossed his arms and turned his head away. Marcelo's mouth twitched; he's not angry? He's acting like a child.
He knew that Lance was Cristiano Ronaldo's inner demon. Although Real Madrid eliminated Bayer Leverkusen in the semi-finals last season, those two matches left Real Madrid in a very difficult position, almost failing to advance.
This also led to Real Madrid's strength being greatly diminished in the final, failing to defeat Atlético Madrid and allowing their city rivals to snatch the victory. Cristiano Ronaldo had wanted to lead Portugal to revenge in the World Cup, but they were eliminated by Belgium, and Lance outshone him, becoming the backdrop for his celebration.
Could the proud Cristiano Ronaldo tolerate this? He spent the entire summer training and working out like a madman, turning his body into a muscular powerhouse.
Cristiano Ronaldo's intense training even scared his teammates. Until the Champions League group stage draw placed them against Bayer Leverkusen, Cristiano Ronaldo finally slapped his thigh, a fierce smile on his face.
"Finally, we meet them! God bless!"
With old and new grudges to settle, Cristiano Ronaldo was determined to win! Seeing him like this, Marcelo sighed helplessly.
It seems there's a reason they absolutely must win today, otherwise, if Cristiano Ronaldo suffers another blow, who knows how crazy he might become.
"I still feel Real Madrid is a bit tough to play against."
"I feel like they have the look of champions."
"How can that be? I feel Barcelona has more of a champion's look, MSN is too formidable!"
"Yes, what do we do if we encounter MSN? Harry, can you defend them?"
"Me?"
Harry Maguire pointed to his nose.
"I'd be in trouble too."
"Don't think like that, cheer up, guys!" Van Dijk, who had been silent, spoke up.
"Leaving aside the MSN trio for now, we must do our best to defend them. But for today's BBC, I believe we will be fine!"
Van Dijk was very confident in his defensive abilities; in 1v1 situations, he feared no world-class superstar, even if he wasn't famous yet. Initially, he didn't think much of Maguire.
Aside from his tall and strong physical attributes, what did Maguire have to enter the Bayer Leverkusen first team? Slow to turn, poor flexibility, easily tricked by opposing forwards.
However, after watching the recent matches, when Harry Maguire played seriously, his strength had already reached the upper-middle level of the Bundesliga. Perhaps he could also become a world-class defender in the future.
So much so that Van Dijk almost forgot about Rüdiger, who was still recovering. But ultimately, no matter how hard the defence works, it also needs the offence to perform.
Lance's performance today will be crucial! He was the undisputed soul of the team, as long as Lance hadn't fallen, everything could be fought for again!
Van Dijk had never seen a player with such personal influence; he believed Lance's future achievements would be even higher than he imagined.
"Stop thinking, ladies."
After changing into his jersey, Lance adjusted his shin guards and waited to go out, while playfully teasing his teammates. Why were they all here, fussing and discussing?
Who cares about Real Madrid or Barcelona, just go for it!
"This is a live broadcast of the UEFA Champions League 2014-15 season, Group C match. Last season's Bundesliga champions and Champions League semi-finalists, Bayer Leverkusen, will host last season's Champions League runners-up, Real Madrid!"
"The two sides have only met in two rounds in the Champions League in recent years; last season, Real Madrid narrowly eliminated Bayer Leverkusen in the semi-finals to reach the final. Before that, it was the 2002 Champions League Final."
"At that time, it was the first Galácticos era, and Zidane's 'shot from the heavens' ended the match, helping Real Madrid win the Champions League. Bayer Leverkusen could only serve as a backdrop to Real Madrid's glory."
"Today, the two teams will meet again! Will Bayer Leverkusen achieve Champions League revenge and defend their home ground? Or will Real Madrid continue their momentum and maintain their superior record against Bayer Leverkusen?"
As both teams' players walked out of the tunnel and a roar of cheers erupted throughout the stadium, the starting lineups already appeared on the television screen.
Bayer Leverkusen 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: Leno
Defenders: Hilbert, Harry Maguire, Van Dijk, Nathan Aké
Midfielders: Rolfes, Lars Bender, Son Heung-min, De Bruyne, Lance
Forward: Firmino
Real Madrid 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: Casillas
Defenders: Carvajal, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo
Midfielders: Khedira, Toni Kroos, Modrić
Forwards: Bale, Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo
"We see that the Colombian star, James Rodríguez, who shone brightly during the World Cup, is on the bench. Also, players like Isco and Illarramendi."
"Toni Kroos, acquired from Bayern during the summer transfer window, has performed excellently since arriving at Real Madrid and is highly trusted by Ancelotti. Today, Lance's position has also shifted slightly backward, moving from forward to an attacking midfield role."
"We believe that in today's match, the midfield battle will be of utmost importance!"